Composer

:

Robert Schumann

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1849

Average_duration

:

2:26

"Es ist verrathen" (It is betrayed) is a lied composed by Robert Schumann, Op. 74/5. It was composed in 1849 and premiered in the same year. The song is part of a collection of six songs, collectively known as "Romanzen und Balladen" (Romances and Ballads), which were composed during Schumann's stay in Dresden. The song is set to a poem by Heinrich Heine, which tells the story of a betrayed lover who discovers that his beloved has been unfaithful. The music is characterized by its melancholic and somber tone, which perfectly captures the mood of the poem. The song is in the key of E-flat major and is written in a slow tempo. The song is divided into three distinct sections, each with its own unique character. The first section is marked "Langsam und schmerzvoll" (Slow and painful) and is characterized by a mournful melody played by the piano. The second section is marked "Etwas bewegter" (Somewhat more animated) and features a more lively melody played by the voice. The final section is marked "Wieder langsam" (Slow again) and returns to the mournful melody of the first section. Overall, "Es ist verrathen" is a beautiful and haunting song that perfectly captures the mood of the poem. Schumann's use of melody and harmony creates a sense of sadness and despair that is both powerful and moving. It is a testament to Schumann's skill as a composer and his ability to capture the emotions of his audience.

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